Jarrow MP Kate Osborne praises South Shields FC owner Geoff Thompson for his ‘invaluable’ work at the club

The Member of Parliament for Jarrow, Kate Osborne, has reacted to the news that South Shields Football Club has been put up for sale by the owner, Geoff Thompson.

Geoff took charge of his hometown club in 2015 and has overseen an almost unprecedented level of success after they achieved four promotions and several cup wins throughout his ownership.

However, on Tuesday lunchtime (October 17), he announced that he is looking to bring his eight-year ownership of The Mariner’s to an end, citing an ongoing recovery from a cancer diagnosis he received last year as the key factor in his decision.

Following the announcement, fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their gratitude to Geoff for everything that he had done for the club while he has been in charge.

Among those wishing Geoff well was Kate Osborne, the MP for Jarrow, who highlighted how Geoff has supported her work in recent years.

In a post, she said: “Geoff has done so much for South Shields FC and our local community in his time at the club.

“From investing into the grounds, supporting local businesses and his support of my work incl. hosting my SME business drop-in - have all been invaluable.

“All the best for the future Geoff!”

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Geoff has reassured South Shields FC fans that the club will “continue to receive his full backing and support” until he is able to find a suitable buyer that he hopes will be able to take the club to the next level.

Details of the sale process are to be released via the club in due course as The Mariners insist it “business as usual” as they prepare for Saturday’s home game against King’s Lynn Town.